(Santa Ana, CA) — An Orange County Superior Court judge has invalidated a plan by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) to redirect revenues paid to the Authority for fire protection, delivering a victory to County attorneys who claimed the payments constituted a gift of public funds.

The County Board of Supervisors voted in January to challenge the OCFA’s so-called “equity” plan, which would have allowed OCFA revenue to be spent on non-fire- protection purposes, with most of the rebates going to the city of Irvine. Continue reading→

A fire at a Southern California Edison substation in Irvine was reported on SCE’s Twitter feed three hours ago. The fire resulted in loss of power by over 26,000 residents. The good news is that power has been restored as of twenty minutes ago.

The Orange County Fire Authority responded to the fire as did SCE personnel. Continue reading→

Who: The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) are partnering together to warn residents of the potential dangers of fireworks and illegal explosives this Fourth of July holiday and to promote fireworks safety.

What: OCFA and OCSD will discuss fireworks regulations and safety. “Safe and Sane” fireworks are illegal in most Orange County cities, only eight cities allow them. If fireworks are allowed in their city, residents must comply with that city’s regulations and use the fireworks only in the timeframe allowed, within those cities. Fireworks safety tips will be discussed because of their volatile mix that can cause severe personal injuries and property damage if used incorrectly. Continue reading→

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department held a news conference today at 2 pm to announce that the two hikers who had gone missing in Orange County’s Trabuco Canyon, Nicholas Cendoya, 19, and Kyndall Jack, 18, of Costa Mesa, have been found, with assistance from several agencies including the Orange County Fire Authority.

“Jack was found today clinging to the side of a steep cliff and shouting for help, authorities said,” according to ABC News. Continue reading→